Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada?
May is our busiest time and–like all farmers–we strive to balance the long workdays required to manage a seasonal operation with our mental health.
At Mountainview, we know mental health is as important as physical health: both are equally deserving of care and attention. Thankfully, fresh air and nature are a large part of our day-to-day working lives. While mental health is a complicated spectrum and care is broad, the core benefits of nature, exercise and rest hold steady.
“It's very important to take the time to take care of yourself and appreciate everything going on around you,” says Jared Hamilton, Co-Owner, Mountainview Turf. “No matter how busy you are, pause and appreciate the warm sun, fresh air and sunshine. Seize those moments as they arise.”
Spending time in nature can help lessen stress, improve sleep and reduce anxiety: it brings joy, and–as they say–clears the mind. In fact, according to the Canadian Psychological Association, just a couple of minutes of exposure to nature each day can boost a person’s attention span, while a total of two hours per week has been linked to better health and well-being.
In other words: go outside! It’s doctors’ orders.
TO US, LAWN-CARE IS SELF-CARE
A green, well-cared for backyard is more than a nice view from a window, it is nature, and it is yours to enjoy. If you are lucky enough to have greenspace on your residential or commercial property, we encourage you to embrace it for its beauty, and its mental health benefits.
Here are three steps to treating your lawn with care and making the most of the mental health benefits a greenspace can provide.
Step 1: Keep a healthy lawn
We are definitely biased, but a healthy lawn is a worthwhile investment for your property, and your family. Take the time to aerate, fertilize and reseed brown patches in the early spring, and enjoy a lush, green lawn all season long.
Step 2: Embrace Outdoor Tasks
Outdoor chores and tasks are a nice way to enjoy nature, combining light exercise with the great outdoors. This summer, think of your chore list as a mental health checklist too! Mow the grass regularly, water as needed and consider growing flowers or vegetables in pots, or a small garden. Yard work is fun and healthy–and not just for farmers.
Step 3: Enjoy yourself!
As Canadians, we know summer is short and winter is long, so let’s make the most of the warm days and sunshine. Kick off your shoes and feel the grass under your feet. Turn on the sprinklers for the kids. Barbeque, read a book, host a picnic, play a game of catch–embrace your own slice of nature whenever possible.
_
This May, we encourage everyone to consider their mental health and take the time to get outside. Our team is on hand with the advice, supplies and helping hands required to make the most of your outdoor space.
Need more help than nature can provide? You’re not alone. Find a national list of mental health resources and organizations here.
